Eddie Howe has hit back at those who criticised his transfer business and feels Jacob Ramsey and Anthony Elanga will serve the club for years to come
Jacob Ramsey celebrates scoring against Tottenham Hotspur
Jacob Ramsey celebrates scoring against Tottenham
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Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has revealed why Jacob Ramsey and Anthony Elanga have taken until game 26 in the Premier League season to shine.
The duo were outstanding at Spurs last night in the 2-1 win with Elanga, still just 23, showing why Newcastle coughed up £55m for his services from Nottingham Forest and Ramsey looking every inch a £41m signing. The 24-year-old ex-Aston Villa star now heads back to his old club in the FA Cup on Saturday night in fine mood.
But in a campaign that has been stop-start for the team in general and way below par for Elanga and Ramsey, they lit up the big stage in the capital last night. After the game, Howe praised the signings, but after being criticised for his recruitment, he opened up on why he recruited them in the first place.
Howe told Chronicle Live: "The idea behind the signings is they are good ages - they will only get better. They are really good athletes; they have pace, and their legs are really important.
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"The way the Premier League is going, it's only going to get quicker and quicker. The demands are getting greater.
"I am really enthusiastic about what their future can look like here. Of course, time will tell as I have said. We need to give them time and patience to develop. I keep saying their lack of training has slowed their development.
"I think they are starting to feel at home in the team. Once you feel part of it, you feel integral to how the team plays, they can only get better."
Howe pointed to the midfield performances of Ramsey, Joe Willock and Bruno Guimaraes at Spurs as one of the keys to the success. His 4-3-3 formation paid off and silenced a few critics.
Howe said: "It was a really good performance from JJ, Joe Willock and Bruno. We were really good in there.
"We showed good energy. Really good control, JJ was excellent. He takes the ball at any moment and takes the ball under pressure; he is really reliable. In that moment you need to score.
"I thought it was a great finish from him with his left foot. He has improved, his performances have been getting stronger, he is a really a talented player, I am delighted for him."
Howe dedicated the win to the supporters who made the journey to London on a foul day of weather. He reflected: "Our supporters have travelled far and wide to support us and we feel that we have let them down on a few occasions.
"It was nice that we got that moment to celebrate with them. Not just me, but some of the new players get the chance to experience some love from the fans. That was a great connection."
Speaking about the team unity he had called for in the build-up to the game, Howe said: "We helped each other and inspired each other. It was one of our best performances of the season.
"A dominant display in which we showed our quality. Players going down with cramp at the end and showing signs we maxxed out on the pitch. That is all I ever ask. I am very grateful to have the group of players I have. I think they are terrific professionals and it was a great day for us."
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